High Meadow Residents Oppose Extension Of Road

More than 20 people spoke about traffic concerns related to a proposed subdivision for Naperville's southwest side, and it appears that their complaints may be soon be addressed.

Residents of the High Meadow subdivision don't want a street connected through to the proposed High Meadow South subdivision, planned for development just south of Wild Timothy Drive and east of Illinois Highway 59. The new subdivision would extend south to 119th Street.

Homeowners told the Plan Commission on Wednesday night that connecting Switchgrass Drive to the south will increase traffic as people seek alternate north-south routes to Highway 59. Switchgrass is also a well-used walking route for children attending Graham Elementary School.

"It's already a raceway," said Doug Jaffray, who lives on Switchgrass.

"I'm terrified of having Switchgrass extended, because there are dozens of children in the area," said Susan Davis, who also lives on the street.

Residents said earlier plans show Switchgrass ending in a "T" intersection at Wild Timothy, and they requested that the developer, Macom Corp., follow that proposal.

Paul Lehman, president of Macom, offered to design an alternative plan for the roadway before the April 21 Plan Commission meeting. The public hearing on High Meadow South will continue at that meeting.

"We'll develop a plan that doesn't extend Switchgrass to the south," he said.

Still unresolved is the designated school district for the High Meadow South area, which will include 343 single-family lots on 160 acres. Children in the area will either attend Naperville District 204 or Plainfield District 202.

"It would be a continuity of community atmosphere for these children to attend District 204," Lehman said. "We've had discussions with District 204."

Some residents voiced concerns about potential crowding at Graham Elementary once construction is under way.